New Creations Full of Compassion

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

What does it mean to be “new”? When the Word tells us that we are a new creation, many believers mistakenly believe that we are an “upgraded” version of who we used to be. That’s not it at all. God says when you accept Christ, you are an entirely new creation who is born-again.

Once you are a Christian, you are no longer the sum of the past things that have been done to you or the past things you have done. You are an entirely new creation made in God’s image. His transformation in our lives encapsulates our spiritual nature and how we connect to the world around us, affecting our identity, values, and behavior. The old sinful nature, with its habits and desires, is replaced by a new nature that seeks to please God. 

Your previous life is gone; Paul wrote that it has passed away. This includes every sinful action and the guilt and condemnation associated with those choices. In Christ, we are not only forgiven but also set free from the power of sin and death.

Christians must start seeing the world through the lens of God’s love and truth. This new perspective changes how we relate to those around us and handle our personal challenges. It even influences the mindset with which we pursue our dreams and goals. Recognize and accept that you are a new creation in Christ. Let go of the past and the guilt associated with it.

Practical Application

As new creations in Christ, we are responsible for sharing the Gospel with others. Our hearts should burn to share God's love and His transformative power with others. Witnessing to others about Jesus is an act of love and obedience. Even if they do not receive the message, allowing them to hear it and make their own choice is vital.

Ephesians 2:15; Ephesians 2:10

Are Your Thoughts Right?

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. (Proverbs 12:5)

The righteous are those in right standing with God. The writer of this Proverb said that being in that right standing will change how your mind will think about things. When we are in Christ, our thoughts are influenced by the Holy Spirit, which should lead us to think and act in ways that are pleasing to God. We are called to think like God thinks. Well then, we should ask, “What are the thoughts of God?”  They are of good and not of evil; they are of healing and not of sickness; they are full of faith and not of worry. So, when a thought contrary to God’s Word appears in your mind, you should recognize it as a thought that needs to get out of your mind immediately.

The Proverb also described the opposite mindset: "The counsels of the wicked are deceit.”  The wicked constantly try to mislead and act dishonestly to get their own way. They are driven by selfishness and greed and will do whatever it takes to get a little bit more or use those around them. This wickedness can be shown in many ways, such as lies, manipulation, and false promises.

You must be careful about what voices you follow and whose advice you adhere to. Just because they sound good and get your emotions riled up does not mean they speak righteousness. As believers, we are called to seek wisdom and understanding from God, not man. We are called to make it a point that our thoughts and actions reflect His righteousness.

Practical Application

Be discerning about the advice and guidance you receive from others, including news outlets and online sources. Make it a point to surround yourself with Godly voices who will influence your life with wise and truthful counsel.

Psalm 119:66; Proverbs 14:8

Don’t Think Like Job

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? (Job 38:1-13)

Many believers like to talk about Job's struggles and faithfulness to God, but not many people realize what got him into that mess in the first place. Job allowed his friends to influence him to think wrongly about God. Job was sitting at a pity party, and those he let into his life influenced him to think negatively and not full of faith.

Job then lifted his complaints to God. In one of his moments, God came to him and said, “Were you there when I hung stars in the sky? Do you know how all of creation works?”  God pointed out that Job was not present at the world's creation and, therefore, cannot fully comprehend everything that God has in the works. God was letting Job know that He was in control and had a plan even to get Job through this mess that he was in.

God’s response to Job’s complaint was not just a rebuke of Job’s thought process but also an invitation to trust in God’s wisdom and believe He can turn any situation around.

Practical Application

Take a moment today to think about how wonderful God’s creation is and remember how awesome He is. When negative or doubtful thoughts arise, remind yourself of God’s love and power and know He has a plan to move you forward.

Isaiah 40:12; Psalm 50:21